boilwater

Boilwater is the process of heating water to the boiling point, causing rapid formation of vapor as the liquid changes to gas. It is a common method for cooking, beverage preparation, and water sterilization.

At sea level, water boils at 100°C (212°F) under standard atmospheric pressure. Boiling point changes with altitude and dissolved substances: higher altitude lowers the boiling point; adding solutes raises it slightly (boiling-point elevation). Water can also be boiled under pressure in devices such as pressure cookers, which raise the boiling temperature and allow cooking at higher temperatures.

A rolling boil features continuous, vigorous bubbles breaking the surface; a gentle boil or simmer has smaller bubbles and less agitation. Impurities in water can affect heating and heat transfer, and some substances may alter taste or appearance.

Common uses include sterilizing drinking water, cooking foods, and preparing hot beverages. Boiling can kill many pathogens if the water is held at boiling temperature for a sufficient time. For safety, avoid steam burns and use heat-resistant cookware; keep children away from boiling water and never leave it unattended on a hot stove.

Public health advisories may recommend boiling water during outages or contamination events until testing confirms safety.